P. Henry De Pree

Home of a descendant of original Dutch settlers that arrived in 1849. Mr. De Pree was the first mayor of Zeeland. Floral designs on ceilings were hand-painted by Grand Rapids decorator Ver Slucs. Listed in the State Register of Historic Sites.

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P. HENRY DE PREE

The Dutch immigrant family of P. Henry De Pree (1865-1943) came to the Zeeland area in 1849. With his brother William, P. Henry ran a hardware store and other businesses in Zeeland and Holland. After being elected Zeeland village president in 1904, De Pree helped secure the city's 1907 charter and became its first mayor. For many years he was Sunday school supervisor in the Second Reformed Church, which his family helped found.

P. HENRY DE PREE HOUSE
Built in 1899, the Queen Anne style P. Henry De Pree House was among the first homes designed by Grand Rapids architect Thomas Benjamin (1861-1950). Benjamin, with his son Adrian, would later design more than two hundred area homes, businesses and churches. Stained and leaded glass windows are prevalent. White oak was used to finish the interior, which included hand- painted details. The home remained in the De Pree family until 1977.